Just got KINGDOM OF HEAVEN and this is the third viewing of this under rated Brillant Movie 4/5.Scott is one of Britians greatest directors and it shows when this is the only movie(epice) that can come close to Gladiator in the years since it's release.If it was'nt for Kingdom i think the movie industry would leave Epics back on the dust covered shleves.

paul.mccluskey -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (14/6/2007 4:26:17 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John Doe

What makes Hannibal a bad film though? The story (which is far better than its source material) ....its certainly not the visuals or the acting.

The reason everyone thinks Hannibal is bad is because they compare it with The Silence of the Lambs. Yes Hannibal is frightening because he could get into your mind through the glass, and now that he's out, it's less effective. But, to me, I find that terrifying.

For one, I really enjoyed Hannibal. Sure there was so much from the novel that wasn't present in the film, for example, Mason Verger's relationship with his sister, but it's a great thriller. It's beautifully shot and Hans Zimmer's haunting score is excellent.

Anthony Hopkins was brilliant as always as Dr. Lecter but Giancarlo Giannini's performance as Inspector Pazzi is the best in the entire film. He brings a quiet yet arrogant determination to the character. Julianne Moore surprised me as Clarice Starling too. She showed that the character had changed dramatically. You can see the emotion and disappointment in her face when she is caught by the FBI at the house, and sees that Hannibal is not on the boat, realising he has evaded capture once again, and that she could do nothing.

Ridley Scott, in my opinion, succeeded with this film. He didn't throw the gruesome violence in your face, but managed to balance it within the plot, and delivered a very tense and visually stunning piece of work, even though it strayed from the source material, which, if you read it, is hard to adapt as it is such a big story with several plotlines.

max314 -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (28/7/2007 6:27:03 PM)

The visual genius that Ridely managed to achieve, pre-CG revolution, is arguably still greater than the computer effects driven film-verses we see in movies today. If blessed with a great script and outstanding performances, a Ridley Scott film can become a timeless treasure.

max314 -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (28/7/2007 6:33:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ads2k5

Does anybody know where I can get a good version of Blade Runner Region 2?

The re-released director's cut has just gone on hiatus following the announcement of the FINAL CUT set due this December.

The visual genius that Ridely managed to achieve, pre-CG revolution, is arguably still greater than the computer effects driven film-verses we see in movies today. If blessed with a great script and outstanding performances, a Ridley Scott film can become a timeless treasure.

To be perfectly honest, despite him directing my favourite film (Blade Runner), I don't think his body of work stands up to much scrutiny. I love Alien but the rest of his stuff shouldn't be placing him in the same bracket as Kubrick and Spielberg. Gladiator and Thema & Louise are both good films but I wouldn't call them "great". I find most of his films quite empty.

Mabs -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (22/10/2007 2:34:33 PM)

Ridley Scott in my opinion is the latter day 'David Lean'. he is undoubtedly Britains most premier director. His films have revolutionised cinema; (1) Blade Runner, (2)Alien, (3)Gladiator and even (4)Kingdom of Heaven Director's Cut.

(1); Blade runner has to be one of the most influential Science fiction movies ever made.It even rivals the cistine chapel as the greatest piece of art ever produced! i know i am commiting blasphemy on my part, but it even rivals Star Wars as the greatest Sci- fi ever made, and even 2001: Stanley Kubrick's mindbending odyssey! Visually it is sheer poetry; easily Ridley Scotts greatest film, and thought provoking, 'what does it mean to be human'? and also 'is Deckard a replicant' debate; which still rages on 25 years later.It is in my top 10 list of favourite films no doubt, and oh! the soundtrack! that beautiful Vangelis score - my favourite after Maurice Jarre's Lawrence of Arabia score.I can go on about this film, but ridley no doubt carved his name into the annals of Cinema history as one of the greatest directors of this century.

(2) Alien; Ridleys first entry into sci-fi and a beautiful visual feast! i was awestruck when i first saw this movie; as Ridley himself cited - a fusion of Star Wars and a Truckers movie in space...the environment Ridley produced was so believable, that you felt you yourself are present when John Hurt climbs out onto the ramp overooking the eggs - a masterful shot of the interior of the Alien ship (a painting) still amazes me to this day. Realism coupled with acting coupled with the score by Jerry Goldsmith..and ridley's exquisite eye for detail has produced a movie monument, a masterpiece of mood, terror, art and beautiful poetry in space.

(3) Gladiator; every one laughed when Ridley said he was about to shoot a Roman epic; and in true Ridley style - he proved them wrong HA HA! A beautiful epic with a magnificent russel crowe in the lead. But lo and behold, It won Best Picture oscar and no Director Oscar for Ridley! A bloody travesty! those b**tards! As Ridley himself said ''How can you give an oscar for best picture, and not for best director''?

(4) Kingdom of Heaven; director's Cut; contrary to what some might say, i feel this epic in its full glory easily rivals Gladiator as Ridley's greatest epics. This much improved version makes sense of all the celluloide arm and legs that were cut off for the theatrical version. Visually empire is right in calling it 'Blade Runner in Breaches' (was it breaches or..oh, i've forgotten!)..

So there you have it, Ridley Scott is our National treasure, a Director who has inspired many filmakers over the years, has contributed immensly to Cinema, with memorable films that will be etched in Cinema History forever. In fact, so great is he, that they were right to give him a knighthood, so, SIR Ridley, salute you we shall!!!

Mabs (Sith Lord)

Kadaj -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (12/11/2007 11:32:36 PM)

I believe him to be a slightly overrated director, but a capable director nonetheless. The reason I say this is the fact many other directors are overlooked in comparison to him, when they in fact they have a much greater catalogue of work. However, at the end of the day, the big three he's going to be remembered for are Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator, and that's no way near a bad thing. It's just the fact that as a whole, Ridley Scott is not the reliable director people make him out to be.

A good argument could be Ridley Scott vs. James Cameron?

Kubrickmaster -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (30/11/2007 10:54:45 PM)

I would not say he is overrated, he is a dedicated artist, some of settings and sense of production design are astounding and really are second to none. True, he has been more hit and miss recently, Kingdom of Heaven being a disappointment certainly, though I personally feel A Good Year is very harshly criticised, though it does seem out of place in comparison with some of other films. True, how many directors can claim to have made two films back to back like Alien and Blade Runner, films ultimately so influential in terms of modern cinema. Cameron Vs Scott is a good comparison, personally I would have loved to have seen the two work together on another Alien film.

Spanning nearly four decades the list above features some of his finest works, so anybody who argues that he's not one of the leading directors of our time is quite clearly insane.

Barraluke -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (6/5/2008 7:40:19 PM)

Ridley Scott is a great director. Look at his filmography:

Alien

Blade Runner

Thelma and Lousie

Gladiator

Kingdom of Heaven

Black Hawk Down

American Gangster

Speaks for itself really. His films have recieved 31 Oscar nominations and 9 wins, which is pretty impressive. Look at the classic films: Alien, Gladiator, Blade Runner: they will all be remembered through Movie History. He has worked successfully with Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Nicholas Cage and Orlando Bloom. That is a massive list full of A-List stars. Ridley Scott is an amazing director and I am looking forward to Nottingham with pleasure.

Jacko82 -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (28/10/2008 8:16:32 AM)

Personally i think Ridley Scott has made alot of good films and some bad films. For me it's got to be Black Rain. This film is action packed and has a great story line. Michael Douglas is excellent and plays the rough cop brilliantly, like he did in basic instinct. But i am a 80's action film lover (die hard,predator,hard to kill etc). I enjoyed alien,gladiator and most recent American gangster, what a film! quality story and washington/crowe are brilliant. On the other side of ridley scott my wife enjoyed Thelma&Louise, A Good year and G.I.Jane not my favourites though, thought G.I.Jane was alright. Can someone give me a review on the Kingdon Of Heaven not scene it, weighing up wether it's worth watching cheers. chow for now.[:D]

American Gangster - MEDIOCRE! Must of watched a different film. Anyway your opinion, you must be into your sci-fi. Bladerunner and Aliens are brilliant films i agree with you there.

snazzy_sophie -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (16/2/2009 2:06:52 AM)

Gladiator and Blade Runner are two of my favourite films... did not really enjoy Kingdom of Heaven but have just bought the extended edition and have heard it's much better than the original? Other than that what about Legend?! Couldn't believe he made that after Blade Runner and Alien! [:D]

MartyW -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (6/6/2009 11:10:53 PM)

Have to say Alien and Blade Runner will forever be my favourite Ridley Scott films of all time!!! Don't get me wrong he's made some other brilliant movies as well e.g. Thelma & Louise, Gladiator, Hannibal etc but i think its the science fiction genre that he really excels in.

These two films are very epic, towering masterpieces that are every bit thought provoking and influential to this day.

Everytime i think of Alien, i always think of the crazy fucked up robot scene.

Amyone seen pictures of Ridley Scott's 'Robin Hood' russell crowe picture yet!? Dnt know what to make of it yet.

prontron07 -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (9/9/2009 5:04:17 AM)

great director and great movies some of the best all time action and sci fi movies and movies in general, blade runner is my fav probably as well as legend was very good and gladiator.

MHill -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (1/2/2010 1:11:10 PM)

As much as I enjoyed watching Gladiator, I think it was Ridley Scott's American Gangster which I liked the most.

MarcE -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (1/5/2010 5:16:42 PM)

Is anyone else of the opinion that Blade Runner should have a Deckard narrative?

Obviously the original was confusing and mentioned a Replicant who was omitted from the final script, but when the Final cut came out I was hoping that it was going to feature and edited voice over.

It took me half a dozen viewings before I started to really like BR, one of the main reasons was I was so young the first time I saw it.

I have the Directors Cut on DVD and although I have full surround sound its crying out for a decent DVD transfer with 5.1/DTS. I've seen the Final Cut on Sky but I'm not sure how good the sound is compared to a real digital viewing.

I plan to buy the Ultimate Collectors Edition soon as it contains 4 differant versions of the film.

I think in my eyes I will always see it as a flawed masterpiece.

Workshed -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (9/5/2010 6:43:07 PM)

Blade Runner is an odd beast of a film. It's flawed and inperfect but is a masterpiece and one of the best science fiction films of all time. I say 'flawed' because I feel you have to have seen the theatrical version (with explanitory voice over) to help decode the final cut, which makes it a magnificent experience.

I'd seen 'The Directors Cut' several times as a youngster but asice from the visuals, I didnt get it but after picking up the 5 disc version back in 2006 and watching the theatrical version and some of the extras, it all finally clicked and I really 'got. the film.

Snake-Eyes -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (13/5/2010 7:09:52 AM)

Looking forward to ALIEN on blu-ray. Any word on a BR release of LEGEND?

Fanboyslayer -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (15/5/2010 7:58:12 PM)

Absolutely love Ridley Scott. He one of my favourite directors by far and I'm always up for watching anything made by him. I haven't enjoyed all of his films but the ones I do like, I love.

MI Cruise -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (1/6/2010 3:30:45 PM)

The Blade Runner 5 disc set has just come through the post today and I will be watching The Final Cut tonight probably, last time I watched it it was when BBC2 showed it last Christmas. It's probably my favourite Ridley Scott film followed closely by Alien.

Blue Lupus -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (20/7/2010 11:21:09 AM)

I tried to watch Blade Runner when I was much younger and thought it was a pile of tosh. Flash Forward 10 years and I watch it again, now it's one of my favourite sci-fi of all time. Strange how tastes change. Ridley Scott though, it has to be said, is a favourite of mine anyway.

Daizan10 -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (30/3/2011 1:02:12 PM)

I loved Body of Lies more recently... Just thought i'd throw it out there? Another Crowe - Scott combination - although Di Caprio steals the show. On the topic of his more recent films, I was bitterly disappointed with Robin Hood... It needed blood and darkness, more darkness... To be grittier and more real. Does anyone know if it got canned or if there will be a 2nd one?

threshold -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (1/4/2011 12:39:45 AM)

Body of lies is crap, gladiator doesn't deserve best picture, blade runner is smart (but is one of a kind for his films), alien is extremly slow moving and isn't as scary as aliens. I'm sorry Ridley scott is the lesser of the scott brothers

JIm R -> RE: RIDLEY SCOTT (1/4/2011 11:29:03 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: threshold

Body of lies is crap, gladiator doesn't deserve best picture, blade runner is smart (but is one of a kind for his films), alien is extremly slow moving and isn't as scary as aliens. I'm sorry Ridley scott is the lesser of the scott brothers